After the success of last night’s live Strictly show, the rest of the celebrities flocked to the dance floor in an attempt to wow the judges this evening.

First to perform was former Eternal band member Louise Redknapp and partner Kevin Clifton. The couple performed a fast-paced jive, and behind the scenes footage showed the pair rehearsing on-board a ship in an attempt to evoke the 1940s nautical theme of the dance.

After the pair took to the dance floor, judge Len Goodman said: “That floated my boat totally. It was high energy and I have high expectations.” Bruno Tonioli described the dance as an “extraordinary debut”.

Louise and Kevin were awarded 31 points, pushing them straight to the top of the leaderboard. Greg Rutherford and Ore Oduba had previously occupied the top spot after they each scored 27 points last night.

The next couple to face the judges were DJ and TV presenter Melvin Odoom and partner Janette Manara. The pair performed the Cha-Cha-Cha to The Four Tops’ classic ‘Loco in Acapulco’, using maracas and a Mexican piñata as props.

After the performance Bruno Tonioli said: “You capture the festive mood of the dance but you forgot the hips.” Fellow judge Craig Revel Horwood commented: “It’s put me in a wooden mood. It was very stiff. An ironing board is less stiff. It is not your dance.”

Melvin and Janette scored 22 points in total.

Next up was model Daisy Lowe and partner Aljaz Skorjanec. During rehearsals Daisy revealed she was dedicating her performance to her grandfather, who sadly died on the first day of Strictly filming. Daisy performed a Waltz to ‘Unforgettable’, by her grandfather’s favourite singer Nat King Cole.

The couple started their routine on the floor and Aljaz presented his partner with a daisy at the beginning of the performance.

Judge Darcey Bussell said: “You instantly set the romantic feel. It sent shivers down my back. Dreamy.” But Craig Revel Horwood disagreed, describing the dance as “sickly and over the top,” but said Daisy danced “beautifully”.

Daisy and Aljaz scored an outstanding 32 points, sending the pair straight to the top of the leaderboard.

Former Hollyoaks actor Danny Mac was next to perform. The actor revealed he was “terrified” of facing the judges, and rehearsal footage showed him struggling to grasp the steps of the Cha-Cha-Cha with partner Oti Mabuse.

But the judges were impressed by Danny’s performance. Len said: “You are a contender.” Bruno said he loved Danny’s “Michael Jackson moves.”

Danny and Oti scored 31 points, making them joint second with Louise and Kevin.

EastEnders star Tameka Empson was next to perform with Strictly newbie Gorka Marquez. The couple performed a passionate Paso Doble, with Tameka dressed to impress in a red flamenco style dress.

The sixth celebrity to perform was American pop star Anastacia with Strictly veteran Brendan Cole.

Behind the scenes footage showed the pair on a sightseeing trip around London to celebrate Anastacia’s birthday, and the star revealed her determination to win the show.

The couple performed a Cha-Cha-Cha to ‘Lady Marmalade’ and Anastacia did the splits in the middle of the routine.

Craig Revel Horwood said: “It was absolute filth, bordering on indecency, which I love. Brendan has a habit of bringing this sort of behaviour out in his partners.” Bruno described Anastacia as a “hot and sexy mama”.

The judges scored Anastacia and Brendan 28 points.

Former shadow chancellor Ed Balls was next to take to the stage with Strictly newbie Katya Jones. The pair performed a Waltz to Elvis Presley’s ‘Are You Lonesome Tonight?’ and the dance was performed on a makeshift Westminster Bridge.

Speaking after the performance, Craig Revel Horwood said: “It was a little pedestrian. You need to get up onto the balls of your feet, and as that’s your last name that’s something you could remind yourself of.” Darcey said: “It is so nerve wracking and we felt that. There were glimmers of a nice, elegant gentleman.” Len said he was “pleasantly surprised”.

Ed and Katya scored 21 points, taking them to the bottom of the leaderboard.

Olympic gymnast Claudia Fragapane was next up with new dancer AJ Pritchard. The pair performed a Cha-Cha-Cha to One Direction’s hit ‘What Makes You Beautiful’.

Claudia wowed the audience by performing a backflip at the end of the routine, but Len Goodman admitted he was “not a punter for gymnastics in dancing” and told Claudia not to “gymnastify everything.” Craig said: “It was a bit stompy and square but I loved the acro moments.”

Claudia and AJ scored a total of 26 points.

The final dancer of the evening was 2002 Pop Idol winner Will Young. During his rehearsal footage Will revealed he was worried about his fitness levels, but he was delighted when partner Karen Clifton told him they would be performing the Tango as their first live dance.

The couple danced to David Bowie’s ‘Let’s Dance’ and started the routine over a chessboard.

Len Goodman described the dance as an “excellent performance.” Bruno said the acting was “absolutely brilliant,” and Craig said it was “full of drama.” Darcey Bussell ended the judges’ comments by saying: “Fabulous. You have so much potential.”

Will and Karen scored 30 points.

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